I just love the Lord so much. I love how, when we least expect it, He sends a little blessing our way. Last night was one of those times for us.
My dear hubby left home at some ungodly hour yesterday morning to get a decent place in line to have a book signed by Sarah Palin. While I am definitely not into politics (most of the time I just don’t get it at all), I do have a huge amount of respect for this woman. Since the first time we saw her on TV, and heard her many interviews, we have loved what she stands for. Pro-life in the true sense of the word, a believer in family, and a woman after God’s own heart.
We loaded up the kids in ridiculously cold weather and drove about an hour away to where Mrs Palin would be signing books. While standing in line with hundreds and hundreds of others (we were able to get pretty near the front thanks to the wristband thingy Anthony got early in the morning), we got chatting to a security person who told us that “Mrs Palin signs the books really fast, so you’ll be lucky if you get a hello out of her.”
Okay then.
When we got inside the bookstore, the line moved quickly. We soon made it into the room where she was signing her book. The line continued to moved at a steady pace. We observed Mrs Palin-she greeted everyone with a smile, shook their hands and graciously answered a quick question here and there. A warm smile never left her face.
Finally we made it. It was our turn. All seven of us crowded around her table. She literally stopped everything, put her pen down, and asked each one of our children their names, their grades, and a little about themselves. When we told her that Haven did not speak, she asked why and wanted to know her story. The line had come to a sudden halt! She genuinely cared and just shook her head in disbelief as we briefly shared Haven’s sad story.
What followed next was so sweet. We mentioned to her that we were bringing home another little girl…one with down syndrome. Her face literally lit up.
Mrs Palin: “Really? You’re adopting a child with down syndrome next?”
She seemed genuinely touched. The concept of people adopting these children was obviously so foreign to her…as it may be to many, I guess. I forget about that time in my life when I was so unaware of special needs adoption.
Mrs Palin: “Thank you! Thank you so much for doing that.”
We know it is anything but amazing. But sitting in front of us was not only a celebrity politician…but a mother who chose to give life to her baby diagnosed with down syndrome in the womb. A mother parenting a child with special needs. A mother who understands.
Next thing we knew, she was calling her hubby over and telling him our little story and about Hailee. Mr Palin came and sat down and chatted a while. A very nice man. But that was not enough for Sarah Palin. “Oh, you just have to meet my son Trig, he’s here in the store with my parents”, she beamed. She signalled to her precious parents on the other side of the room and tells them to bring Trig over. She is clearly SO proud of her boy-chosen by the hand of the Father to be their son.
I’m sure onlookers must have been wondering what in the world was going on. Just a proud mama wanting to show off her precious angel, that’s all.
Oh my gosh-what a sweet little boy. My heart melted. He is completely adorable.
Anthony: “We pray for you all the time, Mrs Palin.” “We pray that you would be filled with the Spirit daily.”
Mrs Palin: Looking straight at us she said, “Yes! Yes and amen! I appreciate your prayers so very much. We are so thankful for them.”
She is so very gracious and warm.
We thanked her for her time, with which she was more than generous, and for allowing us to meet her family. She told us how grateful she was for people praying for her. We could see on her face that she meant every word she said. She so clearly loves the same God that we serve…with all her heart.
Mrs Palin thanked us for being “out there doing it, making a difference”. If only she knew what an honor and a privilege it truly is to bring home these precious children the Father entrusts to us. We would have life no other way.
Last night I got to see that Sarah Palin is the real deal. She loves God so much. The love of Jesus radiates from her. The love for her family is so very obvious. And her heart is genuinely broken for children with special needs. She truly is an amazing woman. We got a glimpse into her heart last night-her heart for special children who have needs. And it was a beautiful thing.
We moved out of the line to give others an opportunity to have their books signed. We headed over to Mrs Palin’s parents and were so blessed to be able to spend some time with them, and little Trig. They were so friendly and down to earth. Mrs Palin’s Dad shared with Connor about loving being a fifth grade teacher his entire life, while her mother showed such a genuine interest in our children, and our adoptions. One year old Trig sure kept grandma on her toes-he only wanted to be down on the ground running around. My heart melted at the thought of soon having our very own blessing with down syndrome. I can hardly wait.
We had such a blessed time.
If the Lord exalts Sarah Palin, I know, with all my heart, that families with special needs children WILL have a friend in the White House.
And for the first time since becoming an American citizen recently, I was so thankful that I now have the privilege of being able to vote!
Oh, and we got a book signed for our silent auction. So fabulous.
Wow sweet friend…what a wonderful opportunity! I’m so glad that you got to meet her. I have been wanting to read her book also, but don’t have it yet.
How wonderful to know that she shares our joy and excitement for these precious children. And how AWESOME it is that you were able to share your story with her! God is amazing!
How wonderful!!!
Oh my goodness gracious!! I LOVE that story!! What a wonderful encounter, appointed by our GREAT GOD, no doubt about it!!
What fun and a bonified gift from God’s hand. So glad to see such encouragemant come your way! God allowed us to spend time with Stephen Curtis Chapman and his wife ,Mary Beth, in much the same way. A total gift!!!!
Lisa
What a wonderful experience for you and your family! God is an encouraging God! His plan is so far beyond ours!
How exciting!!!!
How wonderful to see the Lord not only blessing your family but the Palin’s in turn being blessed by yours. God is good all the time!
Wow Adeye!!! That is so incredible. But I think it was more her that was humbled to see what God is doing through the Salems
I love how God has used this moment to encourage you, her and all of us reading! Yay Jesus!!!!
Wow. I am feeling like I really missed out. Sarah is here in Utah today or will be soon, and I was going to go, but exhaustion and cold won out.
I am not a very celebrity stuck person, and I am involved in politics, I imagine my life will cross her at some point.
Your story broke my heart and I am sitting her crying my eyes out. Thank you for adopting a special needs child, although I am sure, you have felt the joy and feel the abundance of spirit for your offering.
God is so good, and there are so many loving, good, moral and upright people in the world. We need to unite under that umbrella and bring our Nation back under GOD.
Thank you for sharing, thank you for being who you are and doing what you do.
You know what I love, Adeye? I love that just a post or two ago you were fighting fear, & in this post it has been replaced by a sense of anticipation & excitement! God is so awesome like that…just when we feel like we can’t do whatever it is He has called us to, He gives us encouragement & affirmation in places we may not have expected. So cool!!
You are so neat, do you know that?!
I have been on the fence about Mrs. Palin, but this may just swing the gate!
Very cool story, something to remember.
What an awesome story…one that neither you, nor Mrs. Palin will soon forget. Wouldn’t it be a blessing to have someone in the White House who truly cared about every child…born and unborn?
WOW! What an opportunity! AMAZING! ;o) Thank you for sharing. What a gift ;o)
OH MY WORD, friend! We love Sarah Palin here too! (Ahem, so we’ll be bidding on that book!)
SO thrilled that you got to tell her you are praying for her. Administration worldwide needs to hear that more often!
God was there! What a wonderful opportunity! WHOO HOO!
Adeye, I will be bidding on that book. We are an active duty military family and were voting our hearts out for this woman at election time. We are also adopting a special needs child (not downs syndrome this go around) and love her heart, her morals, and her love for God. We need God back in this country. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can’t wait to read her book. I want to take it on the airplane with me when we fly to Ethiopia in January so hurry up and get that auction going. =) I can’t wait for 2012. Palin for President!!!!
WOWZERS! I needed a good cry! Amazing!!
I’ve been a fan of Sarah Palin for a long time since we share a kindred heart of knowing ahead of time we were carrying babies with Down Syndrome and brought our babies into this world in spite of what the world says is best. I’m jealous that you got to meet her. I dressed up as her for Halloween last year!!!
Kristin
Wow what a story to tell Hailee one day.
Absolutely Amazing.
Just goes to show you that you NEVER know what the Lord has up his sleeve!!!
We need to talk my friend.
I need to know about your silent auction. Can I just send the things to you that I chose and you can put them on the auction?? How does it work?
blessings,
Holly
Love it Adeye, what a great experience for all of you, i am sure they enjoyed meeting all of you, as much as you enjoyed meeting them :).
I love how God puts people in our paths when we least expect it. What a great story! I love hearing uplifting things like this.
Big Hugs!
Debbie
What a wonderful experience! I love when God brings people together to be a needed encouragement to each other!
Oh my goodness…that is SO cool! My SIL is a political blogger and had told me about Sarah Palin before she was chosen to be John McCain’s running mate. I had been hoping, hoping she would be chosen and I will never forget my excitement the morning that the news was waiting for the announcement-and started realizing that none of the male candidates that they had been expecting to be named, had been chosen. My heart welled up with, “Oh please let it be Sarah.” And when they announced it, I was jumping up and down. I have always thought she was the real deal-and I am so thrilled that someone I ‘know’ was able to meet her and have the awesome experience that you did! Did you get any photos?!?!?!?! I think it is so cool that God used your family to bless Sarah Palin-and used her to get your heart all excited (again) about getting Hailee home. :)))) I love Him.
What a marvelous story!
How awesome is our God!?!?! And what blessings for both your families! Praying for you friend:)
Gayly
Now that has God written all over it! You rock my friend! Love you- Amy
Have you seen her talking to the camera while turkeys are being killed behind her?
Real nice lady, right?
What a story!! Tears!!! You were blessed that night but so were the Palin’s.